Six top tips for a healthy spring break
Vacations have long been the nemesis of a healthy lifestyle. They come with a whole host of temptations, from cold glasses of wine and delicious breakfast buffets, to lying by the pool and sleeping in too late. This isn’t to suggest that vacations shouldn’t feature these all-important luxuries, but they certainly aren’t an excuse to throw your values and goals out the window.
Time off is all about resetting the body so it’s able to tackle the demands of normal life. And this is exactly the point, time off means you have extra time to dedicate to yourself. Time that’s usually spent working, cooking, cleaning, or picking up the kids is now yours. What better way to spend it than smashing those goals you’ve been chasing all year? Imagine if this spring break you came home a stronger, healthier version of yourself.
To help you out, here are six top tips for having a healthy spring break:
Commit to your workouts
Now you have all this extra time on your hands, there’s no excuse for missing that workout! Even if it’s shorter than usual, even if it’s not in a gym, it’s an important mindset shift to dedicate this time to yourself. Workouts are additional to your daily movement so schedule them in and use your time off effectively. You won’t regret it!
Keep on walking
If you’re away for spring break chances are you’re going somewhere beautiful. What better way to see the place you’re visiting than getting out on foot. Walk along the beach, hike in the forests, and explore the local town. Plus it’s a free activity for the whole family - what could be better?
Load up on protein and veggies
A breakfast buffet or a dinner out can be daunting. Knowing what to choose when committing to a healthy lifestyle isn’t always easy. A good rule of thumb is to pick high-protein meals with lots of veggies. This will help you feel fuller for longer and maintain those muscle gains you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Maximize your sleep
One thing you might not prioritize in daily life is your sleep. Now’s your chance to get the deep rest that your body is craving. Studies show that lack of sleep can influence our eating choices, making us hungrier and more likely to choose sugary snacks. Tops tips for a better night’s sleep include: not using your phone before bed, avoiding alcohol too close to bedtime, and exercising during the day! You can still get up later but don’t use it as an excuse to miss your workout.
Be mindful of alcohol
Many of us love a drink or two but when looking at the cocktail menu, choose wisely. Wine or beer can be anywhere from 120 - 160 calories so if possible opt for a light or non-alcoholic beer or a white wine spritzer with half sofa and half wine. Try to avoid the sugary daiquiris, margaritas and bahama mamas as they can be up to 500 calories per drink.
Prioritize your goals
On vacation it’s all too easy to fall into the ‘just let loose’ mindset but most of us know that this results in negative feelings when we get home. Prioritizing your goals and approaching your vacation with a balanced mindset will have the overall best results for your mind and your body. Enjoy yourself and relax, but make conscious choices that will help you feel healthier and in control in the long run!
